Out of the Silent Planet

After nearly a decade struggling for recognition, Houston's King's X finally obtained a record deal with Megaforce Records, issuing their debut Out of the Silent Planet in 1988. The band's unique sound combines Beatles-esque vocal harmonies and melodies with heavy guitars, complex arrangements, and singer Doug Pinnick's incredible, gospel-tinged voice. After the space age intro of "In the New Age," one is swept away by the ethereal beauty of album highlights "Goldilox," and the driving "King," where the band comes closest to revealing their Christian beliefs. The drum intro and main riff of "Far, Far Away" mark another remarkable moment, but this is an astonishing record from start to finish, with further kudos going to "Wonder," "Shot of Love," and "Power of Love."